WATCH: Dairy's lactose-free milk hits shelves

It is largely the same as the Dairy's low fat milk, which comes in a blue carton, but has been treated with an enzyme to take out the lactose and is packaged in orange gingham one-litre cartons.

Because of the additional process required, it is expected to have a 10p price increase on normal 'blue milk'.

Managing director Andrew Tabel was excited about the launch as it offers people with a lactose intolerance to enjoy the unique taste of local cow milk.

'This is an exciting time for the Dairy and one that has been eagerly anticipated.

'Following customer feedback, it was apparent that there was a growing demand for lactose free milk among islanders, but the only products available were imported and lacked the unique qualities of our much-loved Guernsey milk.'

A trial batch was made last year when the Dairy began to fully investigate the feasibility of producing the specialist product.

Laboratory staff carried out tests on two larger production runs and found no detectable levels of lactose.

Typically, it contains less than 0.01% lactose but can contain up to a maximum of 0.03%.

Mr Tabel hoped that some people who drink other lactose free brands would consider switching to the Guernsey Dairy alternative, or for those who were considering switching to a plant-based milk would consider a locally made lactose free milk as an alternative.

Initially, 3,000 litres of the new product will be distributed from the Dairy a week, but this can be adjusted to fit demand.

Quality assurance manager Alex Tielles said customers might notice a difference between the new product and standard milk, but when compared to other lactose free options on the market, she hoped it would be a little bit better.

'It's got that great Guernsey cow taste that we all know and love, the creamy texture and the slightly yellow colour that you get from Guernsey cows.'

President of the Guernsey Farmer's Association Michael Bray said farmers were extremely proud of the unique product that Guernsey cows produce and believed everyone should be able to enjoy the health benefits that milk contains.

'We realise that there is a percentage of the population that suffer challenges drinking normal cows' milk and we're extremely pleased that the Dairy has been able to develop a lactose free product allowing everyone to enjoy drinking the great taste of Guernsey milk.'